Trinidad and Tobago’s Northern Range forms a mountainous spine, running east to west across Trinidad’s densely forested North. The island’s two highest peaks are here: El Cerro del Aripo and El Tucuche, rising to just shy of 1000m above sea level. Trinidad’s most secluded and stunning beaches line its undeveloped stretch of northern coastline.
Inland, along its rugged hills, the primary forest (technically tropical moist forest rather than rainforest) remains one of the most pristine terrestrial habitats in the entire Caribbean Archipelago. There are excellent hiking opportunities, for example up to Marianne Falls in Blanchisseuse, and countless locations for the adventurous, such as Guanapo Gorge.
Asa Wright Nature Reserve provides accommodation in the heart of the Northern Range, overlooking a valley. The veranda is a birdwatcher’s paradise attracting an incredible variety of exotic species. Two endemic species can be found here: The Trinidad motmot, and Trinidad piping guan (known locally as the pawi). Typical tree species include crabwood, kapok and hog plum, in addition to larger hardwoods like teak and mahogany. Lianas, and epiphytic orchids, bromeliads and ferns, provide a tangled and lush understorey. More closely resembling the South American continent than other Caribbean islands in terms of its fauna, its impressive amount of around 100 mammal species include two native species of primate, and ocelot also.
